Development and application of a technological system for exploration of “Datangpo-type” concealed manganese deposits in China

Abstract

The “Datangpo-type” manganese deposits in northeastern Guizhou, China, represent a super-large-scale metallogenesis event characterized by the short-term discharge and deposition of deep manganese-bearing fluids under the triple control mechanism of “rift basin–transport channel–gas/liquid fluids.” Building upon a new metallogenic model for this manganese deposit type, and integrating considerations of regional geological setting and the specific conditions of exploration areas, our team has developed a relatively comprehensive technological system tailored for the exploration of Datangpo-type concealed manganese deposits. This system comprises the following components: specialized geological surveys, restoration of the prototype basin, mineralization area prediction and boundary delineation, optimization and efficiency enhancement of exploration grids, digital transformation of exploration processes, and green protection of exploration and mining environments. Through the application of this technological system, significant prospecting outcomes have been achieved. In northeastern Guizhou, four giant manganese deposits and five large- to medium-sized manganese deposits have been newly identified. The newly added manganese ore resource reserves exceed 700 million tons, establishing northeastern Guizhou as a new super-large-scale manganese ore resource hub. The technological exploration system developed for Datangpo-type concealed manganese deposits holds significant implications for prospecting other manganese deposits with similar metallogenic conditions and formation mechanisms, as well as for exploring other mineral resources with analogous origins globally.